Huge benefits from modest investment
OUR city is crying out for better transport links to bring it in line with 21st century needs.
The loss of Plymouth airport has only underlined what everybody here, and the wider South West, knows only too well. Namely, that the current road and rail infrastructure is hindering, not helping, the regions' growth; and that Plymouth in particular is being held back as a result. But what can be done? More pertinently, what is feasible given the country's bleak economic situation and environmental considerations? Some people might argue for the M5 to be extended from Exeter to at least Plymouth; others would say the link should be driven through the length of Cornwall. But realistically, that is not going to happen – cost and the green lobby will ensure that. The return of air links to Plymouth looks unlikely, whatever airport campaigners believe. That leaves rail, and here at least there are real grounds for optimism. Because today's launch of a new campaign for better rail services for the city and the South West is rightly focusing on relatively modest improvements which could bring massive benefits to the tune of £94million a year – and all for an annual extra investment of £10million, which in government terms is mere pocket money. We wish the task force set up to press for rail improvements every success, because Plymouth needs a major boost in this area. As city councillor Kevin Wigens, chair of the task force, told us: "Better rail connectivity will make a huge difference to the city's ability to attract investment and achieve its growth ambitions."
Crucially he acknowledged what could be achieved for relatively little when he added: "While we know there is no endless pot of money, we have put together a key list of improvements that are achievable, affordable and deliverable."
Here is to the task force getting the message across to the movers and shakers in the transport world – because success in this mission is vital to Plymouth's future hopes and prosperity. They cannot, and must not, fail.
13 Comments
View all
by Peter20113
Thursday, February 09 2012, 9:46PM
“In 50 years the Herald will be recommending "stout shoes" as a comfortable way of walking to Exeter”
by Peter20113
Thursday, February 09 2012, 9:45PM
“This article is an absolute travesty and is a downright indictment of why the Herald is such a poor newspaper. The airport has shut - never mind, we won't get a m-way link - never mind. what's left - the railway (which isn't going to be uprated) so we'll champion that instead.
10 years time - if the Herald still exists and the railways are still as they are or worse it'll be championing footpath renewal as a method to improve transport links, or the revival of taverns with stops for horses”
by mcspredder
Thursday, February 09 2012, 9:21PM
“@
stratobuddy
.
"An hour just to get from Plymouth to Exeter by train "...
Well, it's an improvement on steam engines - used to take 1 hour 20 minutes.”
by Peter20113
Thursday, February 09 2012, 6:29PM
“@Mickbarb
The A38 is a substandard and downright dangerous road with lethal junctions. I use the A30 to go north.
Hermes_001
My initial point mentioned this - the figure should be 100 times this to improve accessibility and any hope of economic recovery in the south west”
by MickBarb
Thursday, February 09 2012, 6:01PM
“Plymouth isn't exactly isolated; it's got a good rail line so how many more does it need?
And the big wide A38 is almost as good as a motorway and connects to the motorway network near Exeter, you can be in London or the midlands in half a day.”
by bluebell2
Thursday, February 09 2012, 5:33PM
“London to me gets far to much of are tax money itis not shared out enough its up to the mps to fight for more surley thats what they get highly paid for and how any one can stand by and see a airport die is beyond comprehension . bluebell”
by Hermes_001
Thursday, February 09 2012, 11:13AM
“My post copied from Beowulfonline entry in similar article today.”
by Hermes_001
Thursday, February 09 2012, 11:09AM
“".........."While we know there is no endless pot of money, we have put together a key list of improvements that are achievable, affordable and deliverable"...........
Councillor Wiggens, £10 million is loose change when it comes to transport infrastructure spending. There seems to be an endless pot of money as far as transport infrastructure in and around London is concerned. On rail projects alone, over £400 million is being spent on redeveloping London's King's Cross station, £15 billion on Crossrail, £6bn on the Thameslink Programme on the Thameslink route running north-south through London. and that's apart from the £16 billion HS2 London to Birmingham project, London is gobbling up almost all of taxpayers transport infrastructure money. Our share should be a lot more than £10 million each year."”
by stratobuddy
Thursday, February 09 2012, 10:34AM
“An hour just to get from Plymouth to Exeter by train - PATHETIC. Could be in London In that time by air.”
by Peter20113
Thursday, February 09 2012, 9:02AM
“Why should 250000 people be glad of mere "pocket money" in terms of investment?”